RFI – Backpack Radiation Detection Systems

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) and the Department of Defense (DoD) Deputy Under Secretary of the Army, Test and Evaluation are seeking information to perform an evaluation of Backpack-Based Radiation Detection (BRD) systems.

BRDs that integrate alternative 3He technologies are prioritized in this effort as a result of the need for industry to move away from 3He-based neutron detectors. The nation’s limited 3He supply will persist into the foreseeable future and it is highly unlikely there will ever again be enough 3He supply available to address the demand for neutron detection for Homeland Security.

As a consequence of this reality, a variety of alternative neutron detectors have become commercially available for radiation portal monitors and vehicle mounted systems; thus, the government will no longer furnish 3He to these systems.

For all the remaining radiation detector systems (e.g., BRDs and handheld detectors), DNDO anticipates industry will be able to commercialize alternative neutron detection technologies into radiological detection systems by the end of FY15. Therefore, commencing in FY16, DNDO is not planning to provide 3He gas as government furnished material for any neutron detector system.

The program requests that in order to achieve the broadest possible overview of BRDs, each manufacturer should only nominate one BRD to represent a product line.

Submission details are available under Solicitation Number: DNDO_14_BRD_RFI. The response deadline is July 31, 2014.